Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

Academic Leadership Development Institute

The Academic Leadership Development Institute, coordinated by the Council, provides a series of highly-interactive sessions and small group seminars led by faculty and administrators from across Kentucky and other states. The goal is to create a learning community of early career faculty and staff from various backgrounds who are on track for professional advancement.

This year’s cohort consists of professionals from Kentucky's universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Institutional leaders nominated candidates for the yearlong initiative based on their leadership ability, interest in advancement, and dedication to higher education. Participants cannot have previous administrative experience.

Current Membership

Akwa

Elnoel Akwa

University of Kentucky
IS Technical Support Specialist III

Elnoel Akwa is an IS technical support specialist in the Office for Faculty Advancement at the University of Kentucky where he primarily manages course evaluations across the university. He earned an associate degree from Bluegrass Community and Technical College and a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from the University of Kentucky. During his undergraduate studies, Akwa was an active student leader in several organizations, notably serving in the Student Government Association and as a student representative on the KCTCS Board of Regents. In addition to pursuing graduate studies, he is passionate about emerging technology, cloud computing and community service, and volunteering at his local church and with local nonprofit organizations whenever time permits.

Bush

Mishonda Bush

Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Human Resources Manager

Mishonda Bush is the human resources manager for Bluegrass Community and Technical College. She is a proud first-generation graduate of Bluegrass Community and Technical College where she graduated with high distinction and was a legislative intern. Bush also obtained an Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary Certification and Cosmetology Diploma. Her dedication to academic success laid the foundation for her future endeavors in educational leadership. Bush has worked in the Human Resources field for the past 10 years. In her current role in higher education, she is committed to advancing educational opportunities for everyone that she crosses paths with.

Brown

Natalee Brown

Maysville Community and Technical College
Director of Recruitment

Natalee Brown is the director of recruitment for Maysville Community and Technical College where she oversees college recruitment efforts, digital marketing and various enrollment initiatives. She is passionate about higher education enrollment management and is eager to expand her expertise and professional network. Brown ompleted the KCTCS Lead Academy and currently holds the position of staff representative on the MCTC board of directors. Bush earned her bachelor's degree from Murray State University and is in the process of completing a master’s degree in adult and higher education at Morehead State University.

Cochran

Rebecca Cochran

Ashland Community and Technical College
Instructor

Rebecca “Becky” Cochran, is an Instructor in the applied process technology program at Ashland Community and Technical College. Within her first-year at ACTC, Cochran achieved multiple awards, such as “First Among First” and “First among Peers.” Cochran constantly seeks new ways to improve the program and keeps the mindset of always looking for ways to improve not just herself but her teaching style and techniques. She is a 2012 alumna from Ashland Community and Technical College, having received her AAS in applied process technology.

Coomes

Courtney Coomes

Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Budget Manager

Courtney Coomes is the budget manager for Bluegrass Community and Technical College. As a first-generation college student, Coomes is cognizant of the impact that community colleges have and is proud to work in an environment that fosters a better future for Kentucky. She is currently taking courses at BCTC to further her education in Business and Accounting. Prior to joining the budget department, she has held roles as division office manager for allied health and natural sciences and human resources coordinator. A life-long resident of Lexington, Coomes attended the University of Kentucky, completing two baccalaureate degrees in psychology and communication.

Dale

DuWayne Dale

Morehead State University
Professor of Music

DuWayne Dale serves on the music faculty of Morehead State University as the director of bands and an associate professor of music. He joined the faculty in 2017 after eighteen years of teaching successful high school music programs in southwest Ohio and throughout Kentucky. Programs under his leadership have had a consistent reputation for performance excellence in both the concert setting and in the marching arts. He was named the 2012 KMEA second district High School Music Educator of the Year, the 2018 and 2020 KMEA eighth district College/University Educator of the Year and has twice been honored with a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association. Dale holds a BME and MM from Morehead State University, completed post-graduate teacher certification focusing on music education and wind conducting at the University of Kentucky, holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University, and completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in music education at Boston University.

Haskins

Travis Haskins

Kentucky State University
Interim Director of Student Support Services

Travis Haskins is the interim director of student support services at Kentucky State University and has been a dedicated employee for over 20 years. He attended Kentucky State University, where he majored in social work and went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration. While at Kentucky State, Travis was an engaged student leader, participating in organizations such as Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Inc., Black Achievers, Prince Hall Masonic Lodge Meridian Sun #26, and the Boy Scouts of America, among other civic initiatives.

Jackson

Martina Jackson, MPA

Eastern Kentucky University
Interim Director of CIEGE

Martina “MJ” Jackson is the interim director of CIEGE at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a first-generation college graduate and in May of 2026, will be the first in her family to obtain a doctoral degree. Her accomplishments include being the first Black Latina to run for the 91st District in 2022 KY State House, and to receive a major party nomination. She has spent her professional career in sectors such as higher education, college access, military scholarship foundation, foster care agencies and civil-rights-based organizations. Jackson is a proud Berea College alumnae, obtained her Master of Public Administration degree from Eastern Kentucky University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership, and policy studies.

Kues

Madeline Kues

Gateway Community and Technical College
Manager of Admissions and Recruitment

Madeline Kues is a dedicated higher education professional with a strong background in admissions, recruitment, and leadership development. She has served as a staff representative on Gateway’s Board of Directors and as Treasurer for the Kentucky Association for College Admission Counseling (KYACAC). She has also participated in multiple leadership development programs, including KCTCS LEAD and the Emerging Leader Series. She is passionate about supporting student access and success and engaging with the community to create opportunities for learners of all backgrounds. Kues holds a bachelor's degree from Berea College and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Western Kentucky University. 

Leonard

Myah Leonard

Madisonville Community College
Financial Aid Advisor

Myah Leonard is a financial aid advisor at Madisonville Community College, which she also attended as a student and gained valuable experience through the work-study program, leading to a role as a loan counselor at the college. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at the University of Louisville.

Madupu

Dr. Vivek Madupu

Morehead State University
Assistant Professor of Marketing

Dr. Vivek Madupu serves as an assistant professor of marketing at the Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology at Morehead State University. With a strong academic background, he earned his doctorate in marketing from the University of Memphis. His research interests are centered on critical areas of the field, including consumer behavior, marketing communication, and pedagogy. Madupu is passionate about teaching and is dedicated to fostering an enriching learning environment for his students.

Minton

Haley Minton

Owensboro Community and Technical College
Program Coordinator for Business Administration Program

Haley Minton is a full-time faculty member and program coordinator for the business administration program at Owensboro Community and Technical College. She received her bachelor's in business administration in 2015 from Western Kentucky University and received her Master of Business Administration in 2019. Her previous roles include serving as a business affairs assistant at Owensboro Community and Technical College, as well as a business operations specialist.

Nititham

Dr. Diane Nititham

Murray State University
Full Professor

Diane Nititham is a full professor in the department of sociology at Murray State University. Her work focuses on the dynamics of diaspora, transnational social communities, and notions of home and belonging. She is interested in how these dynamics manifest for people amongst asymmetrical power relations, social policies and community coalition building. Originally from the Chicago area, she is inspired by her family’s migration story, her experiences of cultural exchange living in the US and abroad, and her desire to make visible minoritized experiences and create enduring spaces for equity. Nititham received her Bachelor of Arts in communication and Master of Arts with distinction in social and cultural foundations in education from DePaul University, and doctorate in sociology from University College Dublin, Ireland.

Sweeney-Martin

Whitney Sweeney-Martin

University of Louisville
Director of Faculty Success and Wellbeing

Whitney Sweeney-Martin is a director of faculty success and wellbeing at the University of Louisville. A passionate advocate for education, wellness and empowerment, her research interests focus on women, leadership and wellness. She blends her expertise in guidance and self-discovery with a deep commitment to fostering balance, growth and alignment. In her current position, Sweeney-Martin inspires faculty to prioritize their wellness, seek growth opportunities, and align themselves with experiences that empower them to live authentically.

Varrone

Jeff Varrone

Northern Kentucky University
Assistant Director for Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Jeff Varrone is the assistant director for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), and serves as a faculty member in entrepreneurship, within the Haile College of Business at Northern Kentucky University. He joined the program while completing his graduate degree with a focus on entrepreneurship at NKU. Additionally, Varrone is also a faculty-in-residence at Callahan Hall (a residential building on NKU’s campus). He is proud to have won several awards, including the NKU Indelible Spirit Award, the NKU Outstanding Coach/Advisor of the Year, the Haile Impact Award for Outstanding Teaching, as well as several Presidential Ambassador awards. Additionally, Varrone works with students across campus on various events and academic programs to prepare them for business opportunities and to help create awareness of entrepreneurship on campus and in the community.

Wenz

Harley Wenz

Maysville Community and Technical College
Nursing Instructor

Harley Wenz is a nursing instructor at Maysville Community and Technical College. In her role as a didactic instructor in the associate-level nursing program at MCTC, Wenz draws upon her diverse expertise in critical care, case management and behavioral health. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students and colleagues alike feel empowered to engage, learn and grow without fear of judgment. Wenz holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) and is presently pursuing a Master of Science in nursing education at NKU. Additionally, she is a certified hospice and palliative nurse, bringing a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice.

Past Membership

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2018

Last Updated: 3/4/2025